Former Lt. Gov. Joe Fauliso dies

Connecticut Post

Staff reports

Updated 10:17 am, Friday, August 22, 2014

Gov. John G. Rowland, left and his wife Patti, fourth from left, stand with office staff members between them Marrissa Najarian, from Hartford, and Michael Bright, at rear, from Newington, along with former Lt. Gov. Joseph Fauliso and his wife Ann at far right, hold candles for the Tribute of Light across America in a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks of two years ago, outside the Governor's Residence in Hartford, Conn., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003.
Photo: STEVE MILLER, AP File Photo/SteveMiller

Joseph J. Fauliso, who was the state's longest-serving lieutenant governor in more than 100 years, died on Wednesday.

He was 98 and had recently been receiving hospice care, according to published reports.

Fauliso had been Senate leader when he became lieutenant governor upon the death of his friend, Gov. Ella T. Grasso, on Dec. 31, 1980.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman released the following joint statement regarding the passing of Fauliso: "Through his years of public service in the state Senate and as lieutenant governor, Joe made a tremendous impact on the state of Connecticut and became an institution at the State Capitol. He inspired so many and left a legacy that will last generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

In early 1980, Fauliso was 64 and ready to quit politics after 14 years in the Senate, the last six as its top leader. But Grasso prevailed on him to run for one last term, preferring to see a reliable ally in charge as she finished the last two years of her second term.

By year's end, she was gone from office, dying from cancer. Lt. Gov. William A. O'Neill succeeded Grasso, and Fauliso automatically succeeded O'Neill as lieutenant.

When O'Neill asked Fauliso to run with him in 1982, he again delayed retirement -- this time for nearly a decade. The ticket was elected in 1982 and 1986.

"Yesterday, we lost a friend, a leader and a dedicated public servant," Connecticut Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo said in a statement Thursday. "In a career lasting more than half a century, Joe Fauliso moved Connecticut forward. One of the longest serving lieutenants governor in our state, he held office at almost every level. As he fought tirelessly for progress, he inspired a new generation of Democratic leaders and public servants. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will no doubt live on in Connecticut history."

The funeral for Fauliso is 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Peter Claver Church in West Hartford. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, also in West Hartford.

Calling hours are at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford, on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m.